November 4, 2009

“God helps those who helps themselves and others.” –submitted by Pam

It is our last day in Ipalamwa or I should say my last day. Ben, Mohammad, Momma Tony, and Harran will return on Monday with four new volunteers. Ben and I have organized our things so we can be packed up and ready tomorrow at 7 am. We’ll have a quick breakfast to be on the road by 8 am. Well that’s Mohammad’s plan. I have mixed feelings about leaving this time. There is no much support needed here and I know I’ve made a difference. I hope I can continue to be of support from home and help them obtain the necessary funding and means for funding. They can’t always rely on volunteers for donations. Everyone is so thankful for all of our support and many here have said they don’t want me to leave and they miss Rich and Cheryl. They are excited for Ben’s return with the new volunteers.

Ben continued working at the student dorms with Ebrania. They finished the window stopped installation. But the window locks were black instead of gold, so at first Ebrania did not want to install them. He gave in and they spent the morning installing on all windows.

I held my last math class with the Form 1s. I could not have done it without the textbook which I had to clean the office to find. The students learn very quickly and we were able to complete all the chapters on algebra.

I spent the rest of the morning taking ‘pichas’ of the primary students, headmaster, Mr. H and some local preschoolers. The primary students then asked for the numbers and ABC cards. So I got the flashcards and played one last time before giving them to headmaster for the Form 1s which was the request of Pastor Alexander.

Ben was back at the student dorms with Ebrania installing the window locks. I being out with them for about an hour taking pictures and talking. The entire school seemed so deserted. The Form 2s were in exams. Form 3s left early to walk to a village 20 kilometers away to get maize and beans. So all that was around were Form 1s. I talked with some teachers for a while and discussed Ben’s and my plan to get world maps for the classrooms. They recommended getting them in Dar so it would be cheaper. Ben and I then played scrabble until the students came to sing. They are all wonderful and Pastor Alexander said very kind words regarding my work teaching. He spoke of my love for “my students’ and it made me realize how much my actions really did match how I feel inside. I wish I had millions of dollars to donate to fix all the problems and worries of the school. I said my goodbyes and they sang me one last song. Then as they dispersed to go to dinner, head girl and a few others came to hug me goodbye. Our final dinner was with Mamma Tony and Mohammad. We had rice, kuku we received from Tom, home-made rolls and pineapple. It was great. I must find Tom in Iringa and thank him before I leave. The rest of the evening was spent by Ben and I finalizing packing to we can be ready at 7 am.